Inspector Paul’s cup final date at the AVIVA Stadium
SOCCER referee Paul Kilcoyne will become only the second Sligo referee to take charge of an FAI Junior Cup Final when he takes to the field this coming Saturday at the AVIVA stadium.
The final is the most prestigious cup final at junior soccer level and this year will feature Kilkenny side Evergreen who have reached the final for the first time in 33 years and Dublin team, Sheriff FC. Evergreen overcame Boyle Celtic on penalties after a thrilling semi- final at The Showgrounds.
Paul ( 46), who is a Garda Inspector based at Sligo Garda Station, has been refereeing in the Sligo/ Leitrim youth and junior leagues since 2005.
“I’m really looking forward to the occasion and it certainly will be the highlight of my refereeing career. It’s a tremendous honour not just for me personally but also for the Sligo branch of the Irish Soccer Referees Society,” said Paul.
FAI Referee Observer for Sligo, Paul Deering congratulated Paul on his appointment and wished him and his team of officials the very best.
“I’m delighted for Paul and for the Sligo branch and I had no hesitation in recommending Paul for the final. He has shown excellent dedication to refereeing over the past number of years and he is hugely deserving of taking charge of this year’s FAI Junior Cup Final,” said Mr Deering.
Paul, a native of Ballymote, has been a member of An Garda Siochana since 1989, was promoted to Sergeant in 2001 and Inspector in 2007. He has spent a good deal of his career in the Sligo/ Leitrim Division apart from spells in Ballyshannon and Dublin.
Paul’s assistants on the final are Marty McGarrigle from Donegal and Gary Fitzgerald from Waterford while the fourth official and reserve official are from Dublin. The last referee to take charge of an FAI Junior Cup Final was Ray Flynn who was assisted by an Sligo team of officials in 2006 which included Noel Foley, Ronnie Melly and the late Martin Toher. The cup final kicks off at 6pm on Saturday and is preceded by the Intermediate cup final.